Pet Eating Behaviour Problems
Understanding Pet Eating Behaviour Problems: Summary
- Most pets love food but some have pet eating behaviour problems such as:
(i) being fussy
(ii) eating too much or too often
(iii) eating poo
(iv) eating inappropriate items. - Management of the pet eating issue involves having a vet check, ensuring your pet is healthy and has access to appropriate food.
- Long term solutions involve encouraging the fussy animal to eat a wider range of food and providing exercise and a healthy diet for the overeater.
Does your pet have an eating problem?
Does your dog or cat eat too much, too little or are they very fussy with their food? They may have a pet eating problem!
Most pets love their food but pet eating problems are common too. Eating too much, being fussy, eating non-food items or poo: Pet Problems Solved has solutions.
Dr Jo Righetti gives these tips on dealing with your pet eating problems…
Pet eating behaviour
Your pet’s diet should depend on their age (puppy vs adult vs senior) and their health.
Young animals should be exposed to different types of foods to encourage them to eat healthily.
Most dogs love their food and will gladly eat everything put in front of them. With these dogs, we have to be careful not to overfeed.
Smaller dogs tend to be more picky, as do cats.
Cats ideally will eat every 2 hours.
Pets love treats but too many can result in obesity, so use treats sparingly.
Food can be placed inside food-releasing toys to encourage your animals to ‘hunt’ and to encourage activity.
Pet drinking behaviour
Animals need a fresh supply of water every day. More than one water source is ideal, in case one dries up or gets knocked over. If your pet eats wet food, they may not drink a lot of water.
Cats tend not to like water poured from the tap, perhaps because this contains chemicals. They enjoy filtered water or water they source around your home e.g. shower, or garden.
You can also provide a water fountain which most pets enjoy drinking from.
Drinking excessively can be sign that a vet check is needed.
Read: What your cat wants you to know about their eating habits
Pet eating problem behaviours
1. Pet eating problem: Fussy Eater
If your pet only eats certain flavours or textures of food, then they may be a fussy eater. Some pets also like their owners to be close by when they eat. Others like to eat alone!
Tips for fussy eaters
- Try mixing the preferred food with the one you would rather your pet was eating. Then gradually increase the proportion of the desired choice.
- Warm wet (canned) food up a little or add a few drops of warm water to the dry food. This helps release the aromas and flavours.
- Feed food by hand while training your pet. This will make eating fun.
- Try hiding food for your pet to find or use food-releasing toys to make eating fun.
- Remember that cats prefer food at room temperature and they like to nibble regularly whereas dogs will tend to wolf down everything at once.